When I ran for Peru selectman in 2009, I ran with the intent to represent the townspeople.
When I first began, being new, I sat back and tried to understand how and why things were done. I listened and thought that since the other members were in office longer than I had been, I thought they knew what they were doing.
Once I figured out that the best interests of the townspeople weren’t always being considered, I spoke up and voted against the majority. I didn’t want to go along with things just because “that’s how they’ve always been done.”
One selectman said that when I first came on board, I went with the flow and didn’t make any waves. I was then asked, what happened? I said I finally figured out what was happening and I needed to take a stand on some issues and voted in the best interest of the town.
If that meant I was voting against the majority, then I guess I was. I had a good reason to do that and stood up for what I believed was right.
I have tried my best to be fair, ethical and professional. I’ve been honest and open with the public. I’ve not withheld any public documents or information from the citizens. I’ve never been disrespectful or intimidating to any taxpayer.
The taxpayers elected me and it’s taxpayers who I work for. I’ve been dedicated and have done my best to do what is right for our town.
Ed Ferland, Peru, selectman
Editor’s note: On March 4, all five members of the Peru Board of Selectmen will be the subject of recall votes through the citizens petition process.
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